Two

Maybe it's just me.  Maybe it's Mommy's growing belly, or sorting through the boxes of your old clothes for Sprout.  Maybe it's that you give me a look like this:

... and then follow it up with some clear, astute comment using words - and even sentences!

Or maybe it's just that time plays tricks - that we can see in you at any given moment the newborn, the toddler, the big boy, even glimpses of the grown-up.  Maybe it's none of these things, maybe it's all of them, but I can't quite believe you're two today, little Asa-bean.

Two going on twenty-five, that is.

Happy Birthday, Asa.

Fountain

Hangin' with Auntie Cordy.

Or, as Asa described it a bit later:
"Water.  Water touch, no.  Up water no touch.  Water up.  Bubble ball down.  Yes."  Which was pretty accurate storytelling for someone not yet two.

Hip-Hop Asa

In Mummy's new necklace and K.'s new hat.  Both of which he requested.

Old Friends, New Friends

A spontaneous trip by some old friends of ours...

Led to new friendship - or adoration, from Asa's point of view.

And maybe a few old habits in new places:

Specifically, in Salem.  Asa spent most of the day in his stroller, but got a chance to stretch his legs at the Witch Memorial and the old Burial Ground.

Fewer pictures than usual, yes - it's what happens when chasing a toddler through a cemetery.  Look at him go...

Underestimation

Well, can anyone really blame me for being nervous that Asa wanted to take Kitty for a stroll in the park?  Last time it happened... well, it didn't really end all that well.  And it's only been two months.  Apparently, a lot can happen in two months.

This is about where I began to prep my "I told you so" speech to M., who hadn't been with us the last time we'd tried walking with the doll stroller.  Fortunately, I didn't actually open my mouth.

Off-roading is still not easy, but Asa is very determined.

Of course, there were moments like this:

But they were actually few and far between.  

Even when we got to the playground, Kitty was well-taken-care-of, while Mummy was left watching the stroller.

Kitty's first solo slide.

Swings and cuddles.

Taking kitty to make friends at the gazebo.

And then Asa carefully wheeled his Kitty almost all the way home - he made it until we had to cross the street, and then it was easier to carry them both.  But it was a fun time all around... and one of those rare times when I've been glad to eat my words.  Although I must say, it was also one of those moments where I watched my big boy, and wondered at how fast he's growing up...

Strong

Look, Mum, just hands!

Deconstructionist

It's so much more fun to dump out than to put away.